Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I looked up about using straws and saw there was a conversation but it was from 2011. Wanted to see what everyone thought now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told not to use a straw because it increases the likelihood of swallowing air? I don't know..... it's not like the straw goes straight into my throat! Seems a little silly. Still, since I was instructed not to, I try to avoid it. Every now and then I will be served a glass of Water with a straw in it when I'm out to eat and I will drink with the straw without even thinking about it and I've had no ill effects, so I don't think it's the end of the world if you do use a straw. I know a LOT of people on these forums have an easier time getting their liquids in if they do use a straw.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I avoided using a straw for the first 2 weeks or so following surgery. I now use one nearly daily as I find I tend to drink more and more often when sipping from a straw vice a cup or sports bottle. I have never experienced any ill side effects. I think it might be one of those things that varies with people and the only way to know is to try it. Note, I do just sip not gulp or take big swigs.

Edited by ShellMilliner

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started using one at 3 months with no problems.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I accidentally used one at two weeks and was shocked how fast I was able to drink a juice. Now I use straws for everything even at over a year and a half out. It massively increased my ability to consume fluids and still makes it far easier to drink now than without a straw.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm about 5 weeks out and a straw is the best way for me to get all my fluids down. Without it I really struggle.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started with a straw at about 4 weeks out. I would not get all my fluids in if I didn't. I drink a lot more with a straw. I also have an hour drive each way to work. If I could not use a straw or a sports bottle with one then that would be an additional 2 hours a day that I could not drink. I have never had any problems. I do NOT slurp the last bit from the bottom with a straw. I make sure the straw is fully in the liquid. I figure I get more air in my Protein shakes from the blender than I do drinking Water from a straw.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have an hour drive each way to work. If I could not use a straw or a sports bottle with one then that would be an additional 2 hours a day that I could not drink.

I'm a little unclear on why one would NEED a straw to drink in the car. Not that it really matters, I'm just curious. I drink without a straw in the car every single day.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I use straws everyday, especially when aiming to get in more fluids in the evenings. I've had no problems at all. Love them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My plan allows for the use of straws after 4 weeks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just started using a straw yesterday and have found its easier to get my water/fluid in with a straw. I just make sure I'm not sucking up air at the bottom of a drink. Thanks everyone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the update. I definitely plan on using a straw shortly after my surgery date. I'm estimating anywhere from 1 to 3 months postop to start using a straw again. I couldn't imagine my life never using one.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I asked my surgeon and he said the only issues with straws is taking in too much in at one time. He also mentioned the possibility of gas but if you don't have gas issues, it's fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×